Performance tests and mathematical model considering magnetic saturation for magnetorheological damper

Abstract

As a semiactive control device, magnetorheological dampers have been paid more attention due to their high controllability, fast response, and low power demand. One of the important characteristics for magnetorheological dampers is magnetic saturation, that is, the maximum damping force will reach some value and no longer vary with the increasing input current, especially in the presence of large magnetic flux density. In order to take this problem into account fully, tests on a shear-valve mode magnetorheological damper are carried out to consider the effects of input current, displacement amplitude, and loading frequency on the properties of the magnetorheological damper during magnetic saturation situation first. Then, the magnetic saturation phenomenon of the magnetorheological damper is simulated using the finite element method, and the numerical simulation results are compared with the experimental results. Finally, a magnetic saturation mathematical model is proposed to describe the properties of the magnetorheological damper, and the numerical hysteresis curves of the proposed magnetic saturation mathematical model, the Bingham model, and the Bouc–Wen model are compared with the experimental results. It can be concluded that the magnetic saturation mathematical model can describe the influence of input current, displacement amplitude, and excitation frequency on the properties and the magnetic saturation property of the magnetorheological damper.